Automatic pedestal toilet with spa features

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet. The toilet is configured to be equipped with pedestals which are encased in separate compartments in the base of the toilet. The toilet comprises an actuator for raising and lowing the toilet, as a result of the pedestals being pressed or depressed. The toilet comprises a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals being pressed or depressed. The toilet comprises a controller for receiving a signal from one or more buttons pressed to indicate a predetermined selection, wherein the selection can be one or more of the activations of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a plumbing system, specifically a toilet system, and this invention is an advancement in the art and one model of a new category of toilets—namely pedestal toilets.

Description of the Related Art

The modern-day toilet most commonly used in the western world consists of multiple features to facilitate the user. There are multiple inventions that are already patented and are available in the market which either facilitate the user with an automatic flush system or automatic fragrance system for odor removal of noxious fumes, etc. In addition, there are numerous “smart” toilets which also offer “spa” features for the user.

There have been a large number of proposed automatic toilet flushing systems for use in various commercial and industrial establishments. As an example, automatic toilet flushing systems, which cause the automatic flushing operation of a toilet after a user leaves the immediate proximity of the toilet is frequently found in hotels, airports, train stations and like public use facilities.

The commercially available automatic toilet flushing systems generally operate on the principle of using a beam of radiation which can be interrupted to initiate a circuit operation and when the interruption, such as the person using the toilet system, removes themselves from the interrupting position, a control circuit causes a flushing operation.

A battery-operated automatic toilet flushing system has also been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,118 dated Dec. 8, 1992, entitled “Solenoid-Operated Battery-Powered Flush Valve”. In this particular system, the valve itself is actually powered by a battery and also uses infrared sensors connected to the battery along with a solenoid operable valve mechanism. However, the system taught in the '118 patent is again designed for commercial or industrial type toilet or urinal use. The present invention is applicable in all settings including residential, commercial, industrial, and all like public use facilities to promote better health.

Similarly, the flush toilet exhaust systems disclosed in the '856 and '590 patents are also designed to withdraw the odorous air from the airspace above the water level inside the water tank. These systems include a sealing means {'856 patent} or a flexible strip {'590 patent} that can be installed at the upper edge of the water tank. The sealing means of the '856 patent is a hollow strip being in air communication with a hose connector and a blower. The sealing means defines holes facing the interior of the water tank for receiving the odorous air from the airspace. After the odorous air enters the sealing means, it is pulled into the hose connector for remote exhaust. The flexible strip of the '590 patent seals the lid of the tank to create an airtight space from which the odorous air is withdrawn. Both systems require a vent device to reduce the problem of undesirable suction when the toilet is flushed.

Unlike the patents described earlier, the '544 patent describes a system that is designed to withdraw the odorous air from the upper end of the overflow pipe. This system includes a hollow, open bottom, vertical sleeve that is positioned over the upper end of the overflow pipe. The lower end of the sleeve terminates below the water level in the water tank so that a water seal is achieved to provide closed communication between the overflow passageway and the sleeve. The system also includes a means for creating low air pressure connected to the sleeve so that odorous air is drawn from the sleeve for remote exhaust. The inefficiency in withdrawing the odorous air from the sleeve into the exhaust pipe can be a drawback with this system, because only low air pressure can be applied so that the water within the sleeve is not also withdrawn. Yet another system disclosed in the '276 patent shows a toilet system that includes vent channels formed along the base and the back inside of the water tank. The system also includes a vent adapter mounted inside of the passage that directs the flow of ventilating air along the vent channels to an exhaust fan to the outside atmosphere. One drawback of this system is the requirement of a specially designed toilet bowl and water tank.

Similar to the ventilated toilet systems, several patents have disclosed different types of toilet systems that include automatic flushing mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,831,670 and 5,369,816 disclose toilet systems having a weight-activated flushing mechanism. This type of mechanism includes an electric motor that is activated by the weight of the user sitting on and then leaving the seat. When the motor is activated, the tripping mechanism trips the flush valve open to allow the water to flush. A major drawback for the weight-activating flushing mechanism is that it does not operate when the user does not sit down on the seat. Therefore, when people who normally do not sit down on the seat for a urinal purpose use the toilet, the toilet will need to be flushed manually.

A different flushing mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,384. This mechanism comprises a motion-sensing device positioned in the water tank and aligned with a window in the toilet cover when the cover is in a raised position. The motion-sensing device is operatively connected to a motor that drives an L-shaped lever that is connected to a flapper valve. The flushing system operates when the motion-sensing device is activated when the user uses the toilet and then moves away from the toilet. The motion-sensing device charges electric current to the motor which drives the lever upward such that the flapper is lifted to open the valve for the water to flush.

A similar flushing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,091. This system comprises three functional blocks: an input sensor or switch, a logic control circuit and an Electro-mechanically operated liquid dispenser or flusher. The whole assembly, which is attached to the inner side of the water tank, is hermetically sealed in order to protect the actuator against moisture and possible corrosion. The movable end of the plunger is with a chain or wire connected to the flush handle and drain valve. In the flushing system of '384 and '091 patents, most of the components have to be fitted inside the water tank. Possible concerns of these systems are in the limitation of fitting all parts into an existing toilet system and the need to modify the water tank and the toilet lid for positioning the motion-sensing device.

The present invention has been specially designed to provide automatic, elevating pedestals which are built directly into the base of a toilet, thus eliminating the need for a user to add any type of additional device currently found on the market to recreate the “squatting” position which aligns the spine to achieve the optimum position to cleanse the bowels most efficiently.

The present invention, through the use of the automatic, recessed, and encased pedestals improves the art by introducing a design for a toilet system where inherent in the design of the system and toilet are pedestals built directly into the base of the toilet. The applicant asserts that no search will disclose a patent which has been issued which has solved this problem prior to the introduction of this toilet system which actually creates a new category in toilet design and the applicant believes this new category will set the new standard for toilet design worldwide based upon the superior design which furthers the art and achieves greater health for the user. The new standard should be applied universally around the globe to increase the health of all humans.

Heretofore, there has never been a toilet system designed with automatic, adjustable pedestals built directly into the base of the toilet. In addition, the pedestals are conveniently recessed into the rear of the toilet in separate cases, when defecation is necessary for the user the person simply touches a button to release the pedestals and then has the ability to adjust the height for the most efficient and comfortable position which recreates the “squatting” position. This is an automatic model in a new category of toilets—pedestal toilets—which will set the standard worldwide based upon the innovation of having the pedestals included with the toilet.

In many cases, governmental regulations now require the use of facilities which meet certain health standards. The U.S. Government Aid for Disabilities Act is an example of a required law which aims to assist the disabled population and this present invention would enable these people to much more easily and comfortably defecate efficiently for maximum health. A toilet operation that does not require engagement of a handle and is automatic with buttons conveniently placed directly on the toilet would be an attractive feature to comply with this Act. This invention would also serve a population of people who suffer temporary or permanent disabilities which may preclude convenient use of a toilet.

Heretofore, there has never been a commercially available toilet system which has inherent in its design the inclusion of pedestals built directly into the base which are released automatically at the touch of a button. The five different levels which can be chosen by the user are controlled by buttons located directly on the base. Such an adaptation would be highly desirable for residential and commercial use.

It is to be noted that as per Applicant's knowledge, none of these prior art methods have been found to be completely suitable to meet these needs and are cumbersome and non-durable. Additionally, a thorough search of all is Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount the existing technical difficulties and to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art. Therefore, the object of the Adjuster model of the pedestal toilet system is to deliver an automatic toilet that comes equipped with pedestals that are released when needed for defecation and when not necessary they remain conveniently encased at the rear of the toilet.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

Therefore, it can be seen that the right combination of features incorporated in the device of the present invention produces surprising results that are not produced by the prior art. Moreover, a thorough search of all patentable toilet systems will disclose no prior art which has inherent in its design the feature of including retractable pedestals which are attached to the base as one unit. Additionally, an extensive market research will reveal no devices offered commercially on a worldwide basis, which offer the advantages of the present invention. In fact, the design of this present invention creates a new category and standard in toilet design. The Applicant believes the unique features of the present invention will be accepted universally as a crucial step forward in promoting worldwide health.

This summary is provided merely for the purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the pedestal toilet, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of the pedestal toilet, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the pedestal toilet, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 4 depicts a complete perspective view of the pedestal toilet, in accordance with an example.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

It is commonly known in the art that many people in the world don't have a safe way to use bathroom facilities around the world. As such, there has been a long felt need for the development of a universal and dynamic toilet system for allowing individuals to adjust the toilet height, on demand, in accordance to their comfort levels, or health related needs. Medical doctors, naturopaths, and assorted holistic health professionals have pointed out the hazards of the conventional toilets and their shortcomings. There is empirical evidence that conventional western toilet systems do not promote proper hygiene for the user. The present invention will allow the user to significantly increase the efficacy of a toilet by equipping and including automatic, elevating pedestals in the base of the toilet as standard equipment, thereby rendering obsolete the need to add any additional devices to the toilet to achieve the “squatting” position.

In any building, residential or commercial, the bathroom is certainly one of the most used and vital places in the property. Essential to human life is the efficient cleansing of the bowels to promote maximum health. The “squatting” position has been shown to be the most efficient position a human being can assume when defecating to thoroughly cleanse the bowels. The present invention, with automatic, elevating pedestals, solves a need which heretofore has not been addressed by any toilet system found anywhere in the world. No toilet system found commercially on the market and no patents issued for any toilet system include and involve the technology which is being introduced by this new category of toilets—pedestal toilets—and specifically this automatic model in the series.

This invention relates to a plumbing system, but more specifically to a toilet system which offers a new category of toilets—pedestal toilets—which are toilets that come equipped with pedestals built directly into the base of the stool as one unit. As per Applicant's knowledge there has never been a toilet system designed which offers toilets that come equipped with pedestals to raise the feet of a user while defecation is in order.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a toilet 110 is shown including the traditional toilet components of a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, a toilet bowl lid, and a toilet tank having a toilet lid. The toilet seats and the toilet bowl are connected to the toilet bowl in a known manner such that the seat and the lid can articulate relative to the toilet bowl between a raised and lowered position, as well understood by one's skilled in the art. Additionally, the operation and structural aspects of the toilet 110 can be of any manner known, and thus representative of one or more variations of design as can be ascertained by ones skilled in the art.

This specific invention is an automatic model in the series of pedestal toilets. This automatic pedestal toilet comes equipped with pedestals 120 which are encased in separate compartments 130 in the base of the toilet. When defecation is in order, the user presses a button which activates the pedestals 120 which are released alongside of the bowl so that the user can elevate the pedestals 120 to different height adjustments based upon the most efficient and comfortable placement for the user. The different levels will allow the user to place the pedestals 120 at the precise point so that the spine is in the most efficient position to cleanse the bowels. Historically this has been referred to as the “squatting” position. Heretofore, there has never been a toilet system designed with pedestals 120 contained in the base of the toilet itself. Moreover, inherent in the design of this automatic model is the fact that the pedestals 120 are part of the toilet itself and no additional device is required to be added by the user to achieve the “squatting” position. The buttons for the different levels are conveniently located directly on the base of the stool. This particular invention offers the ability to automatically adjust the pedestals 120 to the desired level at the touch of a button. This will allow the user to achieve the “squatting” position which is perfect to align their spine for their needs and body type.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toilet 110 includes one or more pedestals 120 for the feet of a person to place their feet upon the pedestals 120 when they need to defecate. Upon one or more of the pedestals 120 being pressed, the toilet can raise or lower in order to reach a desired height or comfort position for a person intending to utilize the toilet. More specifically, one or more pedestals 120 can be attached to the base of the toilet. In addition, the toilet can be configured with an actuator for raising and lowing the toilet, as a result of the pedestals 120 being pressed or depressed. The actuator can be an electric motor or any suitable electronic component capable of rotating, raising, or lowering, mechanisms in order to raise or lower the toilet base. The toilet can further comprise a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals 120 being pressed or depressed.

According to a first embodiment, the spa toilet system is a toilet that include innovative feature such as the including of pedestals for the feet of the user attached to the base of the toilet. This precludes the user from needing to outfit the toilet with any additional devices to achieve the “squatting” position which has been shown to be the most efficient placement of the spine to cleanse the bowels completely and most efficiently.

In a second embodiment, the pedestals, built into the base of the toilet can be automatic pedestals that can be summoned at the touch of a button and also retract back into their compartments in the base of the toilet when defecation is not needed. As such, the ability to extend and retract, is advantageous due to the fact that they are conveniently recessed into the base of the toilet and do not present an impediment to a user and their mobility near the toilet when they are not needed.

In a third embodiment, the toilet system also includes “spa” features. The toilet system can comprise of one or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system and air freshener. Each of these features can be activated or deactivated by the press of a button or a combination of buttons as selected by the user per their preference. Each of the five features can be activated by the user by pressing buttons which are conveniently located on the base of the toilet. More specifically, the toilet can be configured with a controller for receiving the signal from one or more buttons being pressed by the user. Wherein, each of the buttons of a combination thereof signal to the controller a user preference or choice, that is predetermined. Upon receiving the signal, the controller activates one or more of the features selected from a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system and air freshener. In addition, an electric motor, power by a power source can be implemented to ensure the operability of one or more of the aforementioned features.

According to one embodiment, the toilet system comes equipped with pedestals 120 to raise the feet of the user during defecation and the pedestals 120 are attached to the base as one unit.

According to another embodiment, the toilet system has automatic pedestals 120 designed into the base of the stool and are released at the touch of a button.

According to one embodiment, the toilet system has elevating pedestals 120 which offer five different levels for the user to achieve the “squatting” position.

In another embodiment, this invention offers pedestals 120 which are built into the base and retract into the base when not needed by the user. This feature was designed into the present invention to make it easier for the user to access the toilet and offer a more streamlined and efficient toilet experience.

In one embodiment, the pedestals 120 are automatic and raise to different levels to adjust to the perfect height for a person so that they can achieve the squatting position. For example, it has been shown by various medical studies that a maximization of the angle for the spine, can completely cleanse the bowels.

In one embodiment a first pedal of the one or more pedestals 120 is configured to raise the toilet, and a second pedal of the one or more pedestals 120 is configured to lower the toilet.

In one embodiment the one or more pedestals 120 are encased in separate compartments 130 in the base of the toilet. Additionally, the separate compartments can release the one or more pedestals 120 as a result of a button being pressed.

In one embodiment, the person pressed a button which activates the pedestals 120 to be released from their case 130.

In one embodiment, the user simply presses a button which activates the release of the pedestals 120 alongside the base of the stool to raise the feet of the user.

In one embodiment, the toilet can be configured with different levels which can be achieved by the user by simply pressing a button for the desired level to achieve the perfect “squatting” position for maximum efficiency and comfort for the user.

In another embodiment, a bidet jet spray system can be activated at the touch of a button. The conventional method when using the toilet is to use some type of paper tissue to clean the user after using the toilet. However, after many studies it has been proven that the use of tissues doesn't cleanse the area properly and optimum sanitary conditions are not achieved. The bidet jet spray system is carefully designed and keeps the water pressure to a level which satisfies the needs of its user and completes the hygienic requirement successfully.

In another embodiment, the toilet system can comprise of a controller configured to control the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the combination of one or more buttons 150 being pressed.

In another embodiment, the toilet system can comprise of a controller configured to receive a signal from one or more buttons 150 pressed to indicate a predetermined selection, wherein the selection can be one or more of the activations of a seat warmer, a bidet jet spray, a hydro-flush, a sound system or an air freshener.

In another embodiment, the controller can receive a signal from one or more buttons 150 wherein a combination of two or more buttons 150 is configured to raise or lower the pedestals to a predetermined height or return the pedestals to a previous height.

In another embodiment, the controller can receive a signal from a first button of the one or more buttons 150 is configured to activate two or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener.

In another embodiment, a combination of the one or more buttons 150 is configured to activate one or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener, or deactivate one or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener. In a preferred embodiment, a set of buttons 150 can positioned on at least one of the arm rests, where each of the buttons are configured to activate one or more of the previously described features.

In addition, the paws or pedestals 120 can be configured to be controlled by a hand mechanism or crank 160 that is configured with a handle, that is operable to rotate in one direction to extend the paws 120 from the base 130, or retract the paws 120 back into the base 130. The crank 160 can be further controlled via a lever that is affixed to the crank and conveniently located directly on the base of the stool. As such, this feature offers the ability to manually extend and retract the pedestals 120 to the extension position by rotating the crank 160 in one direction in order to extend the pedestals 120 from the casing or base 130, and rotating in the opposite direction in order to retract the pedestals 120 back into the base 130. This will allow the user to achieve the “squatting” position which is perfect to align their spine for their needs and body type.

In some embodiments, the base 130, can be configured with a cover, to provide for additional protection. The adjuster, can be affixed in a variety of ways that would allow for save electrical conductivity or affixed to the base 130 of the toilet 110 by a set of fasteners.

In one embodiment, the toilet 110 can be configured with a sleeve cover, that is configured to wrap around the sitting area of the toilet 110. The sleeve cover can provide anti-slippage protection for the user to prevent them from slipping off of the toilet, in the instance that the toilet is mobile or stationary.

In one embodiment, the toilet 110, is further configured with a tank sleeve 120, that is wrapped around the upper tank of the toilet 110, and configured to provide additional protection for the user to grip, brace, or lean to gain their balance, and prepare for the toilet 110 movement in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.

It is noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.

This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principles of the present invention without departing from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials and the like apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed by the applicant. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for activating one or more features, said apparatus comprising: one or more pedestals attached to the base of the toilet; an actuator for raising and lowering the one or more pedestals, as a result of one or more button being pressed to signal a predetermined height; a controller configured to: control the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals being pressed or depressed; receive a signal from one or more buttons pressed to indicate a predetermined selection, wherein the selection can be one or more of the activation of a seat warmer, a bidet jet spray, a hydro-flush, a sound system or an air freshener.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first button of the one or more buttons is configured to activate two or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a combination of the one or more buttons is configured to: activate one or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener; or deactivate one or more of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first pedal of the one or more pedestals is configured to raise the toilet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second pedal of the one or more pedestals is configured to lower the toilet.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more pedestals are encased in separate compartments in the base of the toilet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the separate compartments can release the one or more pedestals as a result of a button being pressed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pedestals are powered by a power source selected from one or more of a battery, an electrical outlet, a generator, or solar power. 